Homemade Gift Idea: Succulent Planters

Yes, we know it's a little early to be thinking about presents, but this year we want to make a lot of gifts so we need to start early. And if it's going to be plants, then you have to give them some time to grow:

I like to give handmade gifts but I'm not great at DIY stuff and often lose my mojo long before it's gift-giving season. So this year I'm starting early and sticking with something I'm good at (and that other people seem to appreciate): plants.

If you already have some succulents then this is really easy. If you don't, see if anyone you know does. If you don't know anyone, then stay tuned for our Le Swap happening in November where I will be bringing some succulents, or stop by a place like the California Cactus Center and pick up some of our favorite succulents. If you don't have a place near you, oder some online.

Here's how I will be starting my gifts early:

1) Follow our How To: Propagate Succulents Post to make babies from your current plants. Oftentimes this is as easy as breaking off a piece of the plant and sticking it in dirt. Sometimes you want to put it in water first. This is very easy.

2)Find a container to put your plants into. You can reuse old containers or buy fancy new ones. I will be repurposing things from around my house. Make sure there is drainage in the bottom of the pot, succulents don't like soggy roots.

3) Fill the container with soil made for succulents or a soil that isn't too dense and certainly doesn't resemble clay.

4) Now fill your containers with your succulent babies. You can plant them pretty close to one another, they like to be squished, but keep in mind that you're planting this early so that they can grow and fill up the pot!